December 2024 Newsletter

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Throughout November, the library staff has been diligently preparing for the Harvest Street Festival. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, donors, businesses, staff members, and volunteers whose support has been instrumental in creating this collaborative community event. Special thanks are due to Tanya Clawson and ACDI for their efforts in maintaining the cleanliness of the event area throughout the day and evening. We hope you enjoyed the day's entertainment—our musicians were truly exceptional!

We would like to acknowledge the event committee: Traci Anderson, Megan Mills, Sherry Smith, Maya Wrought, Jennifer Leavitt, Kristy Narravette, and Susan Gregurek. Additionally, we recognize the contributions of the Jarrell Library staff—Ailina Aponte, Donna Oestrick, Sylvia White—as well as the Jarrell Library Board: Janet Hage, Barb Horak, Shay Stearns, Pete Escalante, and Wes Roach. Our sincere appreciation also goes to the dedicated volunteers: Anne Hammon, Melina Garcia, Wanda Keefe, Greg Gregurek, Lisa Mierkiewicz, Cheryl Friedman, Sterling Leavitt, Mike Griffith and family, Natalie Armenta and family, and especially the spouses and families of the committees for their contributions toward making this event a success.

Please note that the library will be closed from Wednesday through Monday to allow our employees to enjoy the holiday with their families. We wish you a joyous time with your loved ones.

Mark your calendars for the Santa Sing Along on December 17th at 10:30 AM, an event designed for young children. There will be songs with Santa, along with snacks and crafts.

We are proud to announce that the Jarrell Community Library has received a $5,000 technology grant from the PLA and AT&T. This funding will facilitate the introduction of a curriculum for nine tech classes and a Digital Navigator to assist the community in enhancing their technological skills. Classes will commence in January.

In January, Williamson County Literacy will offer GED classes at the library on Monday evenings. We will provide further information as soon as we receive the final details.

Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Susan Gregurek

The State Free Ebook services have migrated to Boundless by Baker Taylor. You can get the app through Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Look for the Boundless App. Ebooks are FREE to check out online. To sign in use your library card number as your login and your phone number as the password. It's easy! For more information: https://www.boundless-app.com/

The library is continuing to grow and expand. We invite you to consider applying to become a new Library Board of Directors member. You may click on the link for the application. Applications may be turned in at the library.

Board Meetings are on the Third Tuesday of the Month at 6:00 pm

Dec. 3: Mexicano Monday! Support the Library

Dec. 13: 5pm Wellness Through Music

Dec. 14: 10:30 Texas Star Program Presentation: Medicaid for senior citizens and children

Dec. 17: 10:30 Sing-A-Long with Santa for young children

Dec 18: 4pm Calming Crafts

Dec. 24-26: Library Closed for Christmas

Dec. 31- Jan. 1: Library Closed for New Years

Finding Someone To Talk To

The holidays can bring joy, but for many, they can also bring feelings of stress, sadness, or loneliness. If you're struggling with your emotions this season, it's important to acknowledge how you feel and give yourself some grace and allow yourself to experience those emotions. Talking to a friend or loved one can be helpful, but if you need more support, come see me at the library. I'm available to hold space, offer support, listen, and help gather resources for any challenges you may be facing during the holiday season.

Sometimes, just knowing where to go for help can make all the difference. Whether you're looking for community resources, mental health support, or simply someone to brainstorm with on how to navigate the holiday season with more ease, I can assist with that. We can work together to find resources in your area, from counseling services to local support groups, or even practical solutions to reduce stress like time management tips or budgeting advice for the holidays.

Traditions and Gratitude

Creating new traditions or adjusting old ones can also provide some relief. If certain holiday rituals feel overwhelming, it's okay to change them. This could be a good time to start new activities that bring comfort, like volunteering, spending time in nature, or starting a creative project. Practicing gratitude is another way to shift your mindset and focus on the positives in your life. Writing down what you're thankful for or taking a moment each day to reflect on small joys can help reduce feelings of sadness or loss.

Simplify

The holidays can be overwhelming with the pressure to attend multiple events or buy the perfect gifts. Simplifying your plans can help reduce stress and give you more time to enjoy the season. Setting boundaries and not overcommitting will allow you to enjoy the holidays in a way that feels manageable. If you're feeling isolated or lonely, reaching out for support is key. Whether it’s through a conversation with friends, family, or meeting with me at the library, you don’t have to navigate the season alone.

Self-Care

Taking care of your body is also important for your mental health. Exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep can all boost your mood and help you cope with holiday stress. A simple walk or short yoga session can make a big difference in how you feel. Additionally, if you’re looking for a way to find more meaning during the season, giving back through volunteer work or helping others can provide a sense of purpose and connection.

If you’d like to talk more about how you’re feeling or need assistance in finding the resources that will best support you this season, come see me at the library. I’m here to help you connect with the right resources and offer support in whatever way you need to make the holiday season more manageable. You don’t have to do it alone—together, we can find solutions and navigate this time with a sense of peace and clarity.

Peer Support Specialist: Ailina Aponte

Hours: Tu/Th: 10:00-3:00 pm, Weds 1:00-6:00 pm, Fri. 10:00 am-2:00pm

Will be out from Dec1-6

Storytime is more than just a story; it's a magical experience that fosters imagination, builds language skills, and creates emotional connections. Whether it's parents reading to children or educators telling tales, storytelling enriches both the listener and the teller.

1. Cultivating Imagination

Storytime sparks creativity, helping children imagine new worlds and possibilities. This early exposure to imaginative stories fosters creativity that lasts a lifetime.

2. Building Language Skills

Through stories, children hear new vocabulary and sentence structures, helping to develop language skills. Repetition in stories reinforces learning and makes it easier for children to use new words in speech.

3. Creating Emotional Connections

Storytime strengthens bonds between parents and children, offering shared moments of comfort and connection. It also teaches values like kindness and resilience.

4. Fostering a Love of Reading

Early exposure to stories leads children to develop a love of reading, encouraging lifelong curiosity and independent exploration through books.

5. Nurturing Focus and Attention

Listening to stories helps children focus and practice patience, valuable skills that support academic success. For adults, it provides a calming, mindful break from everyday distractions.

6. Routine and Comfort

Storytime provides structure, especially before bed, offering comfort and security through a familiar routine.

7. Cultural Exploration

Stories introduce children and adults to diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding of different experiences.

In essence, storytime is a transformative practice that nurtures imagination, emotional bonds, and a love of learning. It’s a timeless experience that brings joy, connection, and growth to both young and old.

On November 16, 2024, the Harvest Street Festival brought together the community for a day of fun and festivities, with the storytime series as one of the main attractions. Held outside the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center, the event featured three special storytime sessions that captivated both children and adults, offering a magical journey into the world of fall traditions and seasonal tales.

1. Grandma Shay’s Fall Storytime (12:00 PM)

The storytime series kicked off with Grandma Shay’s Fall Storytime at 12:00 PM. Known for her engaging and warm storytelling style, Grandma Shay transported children into a world of autumn wonder. She read fall-themed stories that celebrated the changing seasons, harvest time, and family traditions.

2. Mother Goose Tales and Songs (1:00 PM)

At 1:00 PM, Mother Goose led the children through her whimsical world of nursery rhymes, songs, and playful tales. The session was filled with interactive songs and left every child with a smile and a bounce in their step.

3. Ms. Tanya’s Bilingual Fall Storytime (3:00 PM)

At 3:00 PM, Ms. Tanya presented a special bilingual session, sharing a fall-themed story in both English and Spanish. Her engaging approach allowed children of all backgrounds to explore the beauty of language and culture.

Showcasing Unity in Community

The storytime series at the Harvest Street Festival was a true testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of unity. Whether it was Grandma Shay’s cozy tales, Mother Goose’s lively songs, or Ms. Tanya’s bilingual stories, the sessions brought the community together in a fun, educational, and creative way. Families and children bonded over stories, songs, and crafts, making the festival a memorable experience for all.

The heartwarming storytime sessions, led by Grandma Shay, Mother Goose, and Ms. Tanya, were some of the most beloved moments of the day, and more events are to come!

On November 13, the Jarrell Community Library and Resource Center hosted a dynamic homeschool meetup, offering a fun and educational experience for children of various ages. The event, held from 3 to 4 pm, featured exciting activities centered around STEM learning and literature.

One of the key highlights of the meetup was the Building a Roller Coaster activity, designed for children in the PREK-1st Grade group and students from 4th through 12th grades. Using everyday materials such as paper, straws, marbles, and tape, students were tasked with building their own roller coasters. This hands-on project allowed participants to explore the principles of physics—like gravity, motion, and momentum—while fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. As the students worked together, they tested and refined their designs, learning how to improve their roller coasters through trial and error.

Meanwhile, 2nd and 3rd graders enjoyed a magical trip to Mother Goose Land, where they engaged in an interactive reading session featuring The Fairytale News by Colin and Jacqui Hawkins. This playful book brought beloved fairytale characters to life in a news-reporting format, sparking lively conversations among the children. The young readers shared their thoughts on the whimsical characters and events, further developing their understanding of storytelling and narrative structure.

The meetup provided a wonderful blend of hands-on learning and imaginative exploration, giving children the opportunity to grow both academically and creatively.

Looking ahead, the next homeschool meetup will be combined with the library’s Storytime Crew for a festive holiday event! On December 17th from 10:30 to 11:30 am, families are invited to join Songs with Santa. The event will include a chance for children to take pictures with Santa, sing holiday songs, enjoy crafts, and have snacks. It’s sure to be a fun and memorable way to celebrate the season with the community!

One Day in December is a heartwarming holiday romance that draws heavy comparisons to Love Actually. The story follows Laurie, who believes love at first sight is a fantasy—until she locks eyes with a man on a bus one snowy December day. After a year of searching for him, Laurie discovers he's dating her best friend, Sarah. What follows is a decade-long journey of love, heartbreak, and friendship.

While the book has an engaging premise and offers a realistic, sometimes messy take on love, I found the characters to be somewhat frustrating. Laurie never fully evolves, and Jack’s indecision makes him a tough hero to root for. Despite this, the story captures the complexities of relationships and the mistakes people make in the name of love. The ending, though sweet, felt rushed compared to the emotional buildup.

Overall, while One Day in December isn't perfect, it's a relatable and honest holiday read, offering a bittersweet look at love and friendship with a satisfying conclusion. If you’re a fan of flawed characters and realistic romance, this book will still offer plenty to enjoy. If you'd like to check it out, you can find it in the Book of the Month section of the library.

Ailina Aponte

The American Library Associations Libraries Transforming Communities grant has enabled us to purchase many devices to assist members. There are various sizes of magnifiers, a Dyslexia reading pen, a World Scan translative pen to translate into 140 languages, and an amplying device. Devices may be used in the library to enhance accessiblitiy and to accommodate the needs of the people. Please ask any of our staff members for the options.